High Point Market Authority Institutes Hotel Partner Program

Furniture World Magazine

In response to requests by the High Point Market Authority (HPMA), a number of Piedmont Triad hotels have announced significantly reduced room rates and minimum-stay restrictions for Spring Market. On average, regular room rates have dropped 15 percent, with several hotels offering rate reductions of as much as 20 to 25 percent. According to Brian D. Casey, president and chief executive officer of the High Point Market Authority, the reductions are part of a new hotel partner program. As part of the program, only those hotels that have reduced rates and/or minimum-night stay requirements will be featured on the Market website, www.highpointmarket.org. The new program is in addition to the HPMA’s already successful sub-block program which offers substantial savings to Market-goers for early bookings. “We continue to look for ways to provide affordable accommodations for our Market guests, particularly in light of current economic conditions,” Casey says. “While this has been an ongoing effort, given the increased pressures on individuals and businesses in the home furnishings industry now, we felt it was critical to approach local hoteliers once again to advocate on behalf the Market-goers. We have been very pleased by the number of hoteliers who are working with us on eliminating barriers for customers who wish to attend the Market this Spring. In fact, some 50 percent of the hotels we contract with reduced their rates for April Market, and another 17 percent lowered both their rates and minimum-night stays. The result is that 20 of the hotels listed on our website have no minimum-stay requirements at all, and no hotel listed on the site requires more than a three-night minimum.” Among the hotels with the highest rate reductions on regular rooms, the Sheraton Four Seasons has dropped its rate from $195 per night to $142 per night beginning April 24, 2009 and ending April 30, 2009. Rates have also been significantly reduced at Four Seasons’ sister properties Grandover Resort & Conference Center and the Park Lane Hotel at Four Seasons according to Mo Milani, executive vice president of Koury Corporation, parent company of all three hotels. In support of the Market, Milani recently sent a letter to every guest that has stayed at one of three hotels in the past, promoting the special rates and encouraging them to attend Spring Market 2009. “By making a trip to Market more affordable for retailers, exhibitors and sales representatives alike, Triad hoteliers like Mr. Milani are clearly demonstrating their support of Market guests and the home furnishing industry as it weathers one of the worst economic crises in the history of this country,” Casey says. “As they make plans for Spring, we strongly encourage Market-goers to take advantage of this program by choosing their accommodations from the properties listed on our website to ensure that they are receiving the best possible rates.” About the High Point Market Authority: The High Point Market Authority is the official sponsor of the High Point Market in High Point, North Carolina. Featuring an extensive selection of exhibitors spanning every category, style and price point and attracting tens of thousands of visitors from more than 110 countries twice each year, the High Point Market is the driving force of the home furnishings industry. For additional information, visit www.highpointmarket.org